Welcome to my stories…


Are you ready to hop on the Zabelicious fun wheel? What is Zabelicious, you ask? Delicious. Unstoppable. Unpredictable. I like to mix it up in the kitchen.

I rarely follow recipes. I prefer to improvise. The result is usually Zabelicious. I look forward to sharing those creations and inspiring stories from the heart of the Midwest. Discover the art of journaling through my coaching tips and tools. Hop on the fun wheel and buckle up. I hope you enjoy the ride and visit Zabelicious Life often.

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It’s a Zabelicious Life!

I'm Janine, a modern mom who wears many hats: journalist, life coach, wife, and entrepreneur. I'm also a connector, explorer, and storyteller at heart.  

Zabelicious Life is an online lifestyle magazine dedicated to nourishing the soul and feeding the spirit through stories and recipes.

Travel Janine Zabel Travel Janine Zabel

Midwest Holiday Festivals

Take a sleigh ride, explore enchanting European style markets and discover magical light displays. Midwest Holiday Festivals have it all. Bring the family. Make holiday memories that will last a lifetime.

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Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce is one of my favorite sides at Thanksgiving. It’s easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways. Join me in the kitchen, as I share the recipe that will fill your home with a heavenly holiday scent.

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Grandpa's Stuffing

Grandpa’s stuffing is a family tradition every Thanksgiving. Mix it up the day before to save time. Save some for breakfast the next day. We’ve got a recipe for that too!

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Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Grandma's Pumpkin Bread

Baking Grandma’s pumpkin bread stirs up sweet memories of cinnamon and Christmas. I’m sharing her recipe, along with links to a few other family recipes and traditions from her kitchen.

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Journal It! Janine Zabel Journal It! Janine Zabel

Blaze Your Own Trail

Which path will you choose when you come to your next fork in the road of life? Trust your gut and blaze your own trail. Need a little coaching to take the next step? Let’s take a walk in the wilderness and map it out together.

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Apple Crisp

My homemade apple crisp is a family favorite year ‘round and a Thanksgiving tradition. Be sure to have ice cream on hand, before you start whipping up this recipe!

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The Art of Saying No

Feeling overwhelmed and overscheduled? Reclaim your time and energy by learning the art of saying “no.” I’m sharing life coaching tips to guide you, just in time for the holidays.

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Chicken Chili

As the temperatures drop, my family craves a piping hot bowl of chili for the BIG game. How about you? Get the recipe that’s healthy and hearty with chicken instead of beef, and a spice that might surprise you.

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Butternut Squash Soup

Come in from the cold and warm up with a steaming bowl of butternut squash soup. A fall favorite in our family that’s satisfying enough to serve as your main meal, or an appetizer. Get the easy recipe that’s as good for you, as it tastes.

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Traditions Janine Zabel Traditions Janine Zabel

Fall Vibes

Feeling the fall vibes and searching for fun things to do? I’m sharing some of my favorite autumn traditions and recipes to help you make the most of the season before it’s over.

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Journal It! Janine Zabel Journal It! Janine Zabel

Enjoy the Ride!

Summer may be long gone, but fond fair memories are never far from my mind. I’m sharing life lessons I learned from my favorite carnival ride in today’s “Journal It.” Hop on the fun wheel and enjoy the ride!

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Journal It! Janine Zabel Journal It! Janine Zabel

Making Space for What's Next

Feeling frazzled and overwhelmed? Maybe it’s time for you to clear your calendar and your mind to make space for what’s next. Not sure where to start? We’ll share ten coaching tips to help you and journal it together!

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Inspiring Stories Janine Zabel Inspiring Stories Janine Zabel

One Sacred Wild

Join us on the trip of a lifetime, as we go on Safari to Africa, with wildlife photographer Rona Neri as our guide. Neri recounts vivid details of her journey, behind the lens in “One Sacred Wild.”

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Food, Wellness Janine Zabel Food, Wellness Janine Zabel

Berry Smoothie

Berry smoothies are a crowd pleaser at our house and a great way to sneak in your vitamins! Join me in the kitchen as we share the easy recipe with time saving tips to jumpstart your day!

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